Preliminary Investigations on Odonata from the Lake Ohrid (Macedonia)

ABSTRACT

There is much information about odonates in lakes in the whole Europe. The lack of data about this group of invertebrates in the Lake Ohrid—the UNESCO natural and cultural heritage is unusual. The aim of our paper is to cover that field. Material included 17 species and 476 specimens of only adult Odonata, which was collected in June 2009 year on 21 stations of the Lake Ohrid. Such number of species is not very high and appears in low differential of phyto-littoral of the lake. The most numerous species is Enallagma cyathigerum, which is widespread and associated with nymphaeid and elodeid plant species. Such big number of individuals the species is supported by a large belt of elodeids (Potamegeton perfoliatus) occurring in the Lake Ohrid. Four odonates belong to South-European species; the other ones are widespread European species. Probably the reason is position of the Lake Ohrid in the mountains, which made climate more moderate.

Keywords:

• Odonata
• Lake Ohrid Region